Mercer Island crews are working to eradicate knotweed, a noxious, invasive weed that chokes out native vegetation, increases erosion, degrades water quality and damages habitat for fish and wildlife.

Residents who want to learn how to tackle knotweed on their property can attend a free workshop this Thursday, June 2, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, hosted by the King County Noxious Weed Program and the city’s Parks and Recreation department.

Attendees will learn how knotweed spreads, how and when to control it, what is being done to fight it on the Island and what opportunities for habitat restoration may be available for their own land. Register here.

Last year, city crews treated 30 separate populations in the city right-of-way, injecting a total of 2108 stems with herbicide (the most effective means of treatment). Official signage was posted around the Island to alert residents to the plant’s presence in public areas, and to upcoming treatment plans.

Learn more at www.mercergov.org/Knotweed.